Blocking Russian web portals in Ukraine is a matter of security

Blocking Russian web sites in Ukraine is the matter of public and national security – not that of freedom of speech. Such point of view is stated by both Ukrainian politicians and NATO representatives.

‘The Ukrainian has clearly pointed out this decision is a matter of security, not freedom of speech. NATO has been working with Ukraine in terms of implementing reforms, freedom of speech, strengthening democracy, supremacy of law, and human rights protection. Thus, freedom of speech is part of this dialogue. We believe Ukraine remains committed to its international responsibilities and the system of checks and balances in this country,’ the Alliance said.

President Poroshenko, in his turn, is sure that the level of freedom in Ukraine is unprecedented nowadays and such limit is not a breach of human rights.

‘Now there is an unprecedented level of freedom, including freedoms for civil society’, - Poroshenko said.

He told that at the press conference while answering the question whether he knew about the existence of Internet bot army, which attacks everybody who publishes criticizing materials or thoughts about government.

Social networking services “VK” and “Odnoklassniki” are main channels of Russian propaganda used by Russian intelligence services for conducting special information operations against Ukraine and its citizens. By virtue of media groups, Ukrainian citizens can be recruited to the agent network of the Kremlin.

In this context, Poroshenko appreciated the work of the Security service of Ukraine that faces crucial tasks in the hybrid war conducted by Russia against Ukraine.

On May 16, 2017, President Petro Poroshenko signed the decree banning major Russian web portals (Yandex.ru, Mail.ru) and social networks (Vk.com, Odnoklassniki.ru) in Ukraine.